Western Bulldogs WAG Neila Bontempelli has responded to online trolls who targeted her over the distinctive gown she wore to the 2026 Brownlow Medal.
The mother-of-one, who is married to AFL star Marcus Bontempelli, was subjected to a wave of criticism on Monday after appearing in a blue satin Atalie Studios gown, just a month after giving birth to the couple’s daughter, Daisy.
In a statement shared with The Blunt And The Beautiful podcast, Neila said some of the messages she received were both “shocking” and “upsetting.”
She explained that the polarising design had been selected to allow her to breastfeed her one-month-old baby while also keeping her C-section scar comfortable.
“I was recovering from a complex birth and cesarean,” Neila said, revealing that her mother had travelled from Canada to support her.
“We had help on the night, so we thought it was a good opportunity to get dressed and feel good after many sleepless nights covered in milk.”
Western Bulldogs WAG Neila Bontempelli has responded to online trolls who targeted her over the distinctive gown she wore to the 2026 Brownlow Medal
“I’ve always told my mum about the Brownlow and she’s followed it online from Canada and the socials, so it was very special for her to be there on the day and see all the preparation that went into it,” she added.
“All in all, the worst of the comments were that the dress resembled a boxing gown or a dressing gown.”
“But it was tough to find something that met the requirements I had.”
“I needed good breastfeeding access, a loose waist to accommodate a C-section scar, bandages and leakage — the list goes on — while still loving the dress and staying true to my personal style.”
“Which I hear now, loud and clear, is not for everyone.”
The Canadian-born former professional ice hockey player said the cruel reactions to her Brownlow outfit had left her hurt.
The mother-of-one, who is married to AFL player Marcus Bontempelli, 30, faced a wave of criticism on Monday after wearing a blue satin gown by Atalie Studios, just one month after welcoming her first child, daughter Daisy
“I understand people are going to have their opinions, but when people write, ‘She must have been high from the gas from birth,’ or, ‘This is awful and an equal embarrassment to her partner,’ those things are shocking as they are upsetting,” she said.
“In the end, I received thousands of lovely messages from people saying they loved it, even from other stylists and celebrities, which had a lovely impact.”
“Most importantly, I was comfortable and happy and confident, and Marcus thought I looked absolutely beautiful.”
Neila walked the red carpet on Monday night in a loose silk kimono-style gown, finished with a red floral detail fastened at her hip.
Although some people questioned the style, Neila explained on Instagram that the robe-like silhouette had been designed with breastfeeding access in mind for her one-month-old daughter.
Neila and her AFL captain husband, Marcus, welcomed their daughter Daisy Isobel last month.
Neila has now said, in a statement provided to The Blunt And The Beautiful podcast, that some of the messages she received were ‘shocking’ and ‘upsetting’. Pictured with husband Marcus Bontempelli
Neila brought Daisy along for her Brownlow trip, leaving the bundle of joy in the care of loved ones at their Crown hotel room during the event.
But shortly before the new mum went downstairs with her partner to enjoy the awards ceremony, Neila was seen breastfeeding her newborn.
She shared pictures online demonstrating how her Brownlow dress allowed easy breastfeeding with its practical neckline.
Some cruel trolls online criticised Neila’s look, with one person writing: ‘Is she getting ready for a boxing match with that outfit? How silly.’
However, fans of the WAG took to Facebook to defend her fashion choice, praising the young mother for going to such a public event just weeks after giving birth.
‘Just had a baby, out of the house and being photographed – wear whatever you feel comfortable in. You look great Neila! I hope Daisy has a good night for you so you can relax and enjoy,’ one person wrote.
Neila and Marcus, 30, welcomed their first child together on August 14, sharing a clip of the bub to Instagram just days later.
‘And just like that, life was never the same. Daisy Isobel Bontempelli,’ the couple captioned the post.
The clip featured Daisy sleeping beside a bouquet of daisies while wearing a pink headband with a white sweater emblazoned with ‘Daisy’ resting on top of her.
Marcus tied the knot with his Canadian wife in October last year during a stunning wedding in California.
Now based in Melbourne, the couple met while Neila was holidaying in Western Australia in 2021, following the Bulldogs’ 2021 AFL grand final loss in Perth.
